Road Trips Are Easier in the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5
Road Trips Are Easier in the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5
For road trip enthusiasts, the open highways stretching between cities across the United States offer the adventure of a lifetime. Philadelphia to Dallas, Atlanta to Kansas City: the distances between destinations could be under 100 miles to over 3,000. But what you're managing on those trips—figuring out how to get from place to place, organizing your schedule on the go, and keeping everyone comfortable—is not so different from any given week of life. Between work commitments, family obligations, and weekend plans that somehow turn into multi-stop marathons, the average week can cover quite a bit of ground.
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 handles all the above scenarios. Whether you're chasing the open road across the U.S. or trying to get through a packed Saturday without running out of energy—yours or the car's—the IONIQ 5 delivers the range, charging speed, intelligent technology, and comfort to make every mile easier.
Combine this kind of capability with the IONIQ 5’s spacious interior, and it’s perhaps no surprise that it was named winner of the Best EV Experience category in the 2026 CarGurus Confidence Awards.
What makes the IONIQ 5 suitable for long trips?
An EPA-estimated range of up to 318 miles,[1] ultra-fast 800-volt charging that adds up to 178 miles in just 15 minutes,[2] a comprehensive driver-assistance suite that helps reduce fatigue on the highway, and Bluelink+[3] connected services that handle route planning and charging logistics from your phone. Whether the drive is 100 miles or 750, the IONIQ 5 is built to cover the distance with fewer stops and less stress.
How the IONIQ 5 Handles Trip Planning
Good road trips start before you leave the driveway. While some find the trip-planning process invigorating and exciting, others find it downright overwhelming. The IONIQ 5 and its suite of connected technology steps in to take the guesswork out of route planning.
Bluelink+,[3] Hyundai's connected services suite, works as your digital co-pilot from the moment you start mapping a route. Plan on your phone, then hand it off to the IONIQ 5's standard onboard navigation or wireless Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™[4]—both included on every trim. Bluelink+ maps out any necessary charging stops based on your current battery level, driving conditions, and route.
Bluelink+ also handles the small conveniences that add up over a long trip. When you're still on the fifth floor of your hotel finishing your coffee, your climate control can start the IONIQ 5 from your phone. By the time you load the last bag, the cabin is already at the temperature you set, cool in July, warm in February. When the car is plugged in overnight, the climate system draws from the charger rather than the battery, so you're not depleting your range.
When a warning light blinks on during your journey, there's no need to dig for your owner's manual. Bluelink+ offers on-demand vehicle diagnostics so you can see what's going on from your phone. And if you need roadside assistance, you can request it directly through the MyHyundai Bluelink+ app. If service is needed, you can schedule an appointment with your preferred dealer right from your phone without missing a beat.
Inevitably, your plans will change at some point, but you can take that in your stride, too. If you need to reroute mid-trip, Bluelink+ automatically updates your entire route, including charging stops along your new course. No pulling over to search, no guessing whether you'll make it to the next stop.
When you start thinking about the trek home as your trip nears its end, you can check how much range you have left from your current location to determine if you need to make a charging stop.
After a long day on the road, when a busy rest stop is full, and landmarks start looking different in the dark, MyHyundai with Bluelink+ app can navigate you directly to your vehicle, so you're not the one setting off your car alarm to figure out which row you parked in.
And when you stop to charge, Bluelink+ keeps you updated on charging status in real time. You'll know exactly when to head back to the car, and if the station charges an idle fee, you won't get caught paying extra.
The IONIQ 5 doesn't leave you hanging when the unknowns inevitably attempt to disrupt your trip.
Range and Charging: How the IONIQ 5 Minimizes Stops
Many of the distances between popular road trip destinations fall within the IONIQ 5's range. The long-range rear-wheel-drive model achieves an EPA-estimated range of up to 318 miles on a single charge[1]. Meanwhile, the long-range all-wheel-drive model reaches an EPA-estimated 290 miles—enough to cover many city-to-city routes without stopping.
ConfigurationEPA-estimated range | |
|---|---|
RWD Standard Range (SE Standard Range) | 245 miles |
RWD Long Range (SE, SEL, Limited) | 318 miles |
AWD Long Range (SE, SEL) | 290 miles |
AWD Long Range (Limited) | 269 miles |
AWD Long Range (XRT) | 259 miles |
Configuration
RWD Standard Range (SE Standard Range)
EPA-estimated range
245 miles
Configuration
RWD Long Range (SE, SEL, Limited)
EPA-estimated range
318 miles
Configuration
AWD Long Range (SE, SEL)
EPA-estimated range
290 miles
Configuration
AWD Long Range (Limited)
EPA-estimated range
269 miles
Configuration
AWD Long Range (XRT)
EPA-estimated range
259 miles
Charger typeManufacturer-estimated charging time | |
|---|---|
DC fast charge with a CCS adapter (10%–80%, 350+ kW) | ~20 minutes[5] |
Charger type
DC fast charge with a CCS adapter (10%–80%, 350+ kW)
Manufacturer-estimated charging time
~20 minutes[5]
Road Trip Cities and Travel Stops
Most road-trippers find themselves stopping for a snack or to stretch their legs every two to three hours anyway, so assuming interstate speeds, you're likely scheduling a stop well before it's time to recharge. When you do need a top-up, the IONIQ 5's ultra-fast charging ensures it'll be quick. Its 800-volt electrical architecture can add up to 178 miles of range in 15 minutes at a 350-kW DC fast charger with a CCS adapter.[2] If you have more than one passenger, that's roughly the same time you'll be stopping for a bathroom break.
If you have a favorite rest stop or restaurant for your breaks, you'll likely find compatible charging access nearby. Since every 2026 IONIQ 5 comes with a native NACS port, you can recharge using most of the extensive Tesla Supercharger network. Hyundai also includes a CCS adapter with every purchase, opening up compatibility with other DC fast-charging networks. Between the two standards, the IONIQ 5 has access to most public charging networks across North America. Additionally, the IONIQ 5 offers Plug & Charge functionality, so when you pull up to a DC fast charger, you don't have to worry about phone apps or tapping a card.
RouteDistanceCharging stops neededAdded transit time | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Philadelphia to New York/New Jersey | ~96 miles | 0 | None |
Boston to New York/New Jersey | ~206 miles | 0 (long-range models) | None |
Houston to Dallas | ~266 miles | 0 (long-range models) | None |
Dallas to Kansas City | ~519 miles | 1 | ~15–20 minutes |
Atlanta to Philadelphia | ~756 miles | 2 | ~30–40 minutes |
Route
Philadelphia to New York/New Jersey
Distance
~96 miles
Charging stops needed
0
Added transit time
None
Route
Boston to New York/New Jersey
Distance
~206 miles
Charging stops needed
0 (long-range models)
Added transit time
None
Route
Houston to Dallas
Distance
~266 miles
Charging stops needed
0 (long-range models)
Added transit time
None
Route
Dallas to Kansas City
Distance
~519 miles
Charging stops needed
1
Added transit time
~15–20 minutes
Route
Atlanta to Philadelphia
Distance
~756 miles
Charging stops needed
2
Added transit time
~30–40 minutes
How fast does the IONIQ 5 charge?
The IONIQ 5's 800-volt architecture delivers some of the fastest charging times available in an electric SUV. At a 350-kW DC fast charger, it charges from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes[5] and adds up to 178 miles of range in just 15 minutes.[2] That means a charging stop takes about as long as a coffee break.
Ready to learn more?
How the IONIQ 5 Assists on the Long Haul
The IONIQ 5 offers one of the most advanced driver-assistance suites in the electric SUV segment. With over a dozen standard and available safety and convenience features, the system is designed to reduce the mental load of long highway drives so you arrive with energy to spare.
After all, long drives between destinations can get tedious. The constant micro-decisions of highway driving—matching speed to the car ahead, nudging the steering wheel to stay centered, reacting to other drivers cutting in or slowing down—can accumulate. Hyundai's convenience technology assists in making these tedious parts of a long haul a little easier.
Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go[6] adjusts your speed based on traffic and upcoming road conditions, slowing for curves, speed zones, and highway interchanges that the navigation system anticipates. Available Highway Driving Assist 2[7] combines adaptive cruise control and lane-centering with lane-change capability and machine learning that mimics your driving style over time.
The result? Rather than arriving drained from hours of white-knuckle concentration, you arrive with energy to spare, which means you'll actually enjoy the experience you drove all that way for.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Driver-Assistance Technology
FeatureWhat it doesReal-world use case | ||
|---|---|---|
Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go[6] | Adjusts speed based on traffic and upcoming road geometry from navigation data | Can automatically slow for highway curves and speed zones based on navigation data |
Highway Driving Assist[8] | Combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping for semi-automated highway driving | Can help reduce steering and speed adjustments during long interstate stretches |
Highway Driving Assist 2[7] | Adds lane-change assist and machine learning to HDA 1 | Can assist with passing slower traffic |
Blind-Spot Collision Warning & Avoidance Assist[9] | Detects vehicles in blind spots and can apply corrective steering if a collision risk is detected | Can help avoid dangerous lane changes in heavy highway traffic |
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist[10] | Detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists ahead and can apply emergency braking | Can provide an extra layer of protection in stop-and-go traffic |
Junction Turning, Lane Change Oncoming & Side Detection[10] | Extends forward collision avoidance to intersections and lane-change scenarios | Can provide alerts and assist at highway on-ramps, exits, and complex interchanges |
Evasive Steering Assist[10] | Assists with steering to help avoid a detected collision | Supports emergency maneuvers when braking alone may not be sufficient |
Lane Keeping Assist[11] | Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane using camera and sensor data | Can help reduce constant steering corrections on long, straight highways |
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist[12] | Reads speed limit signs and can adjust cruise control speed accordingly | Can help adjust speed based on speed limit signs |
Driver Attention Warning[13] | Monitors driving patterns for signs of drowsiness or inattention | Can provide alerts when it's time for a break during long stretches |
Forward Attention Warning[14] | Uses an in-cabin camera to monitor driver attention and detect when the driver's eyes may not be focused on the road | Provides an additional layer of alertness monitoring beyond driving-pattern analysis |
Feature
Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go[6]
What it does
Adjusts speed based on traffic and upcoming road geometry from navigation data
Real-world use case
Can automatically slow for highway curves and speed zones based on navigation data
Feature
Highway Driving Assist[8]
What it does
Combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping for semi-automated highway driving
Real-world use case
Can help reduce steering and speed adjustments during long interstate stretches
Feature
Highway Driving Assist 2[7]
What it does
Adds lane-change assist and machine learning to HDA 1
Real-world use case
Can assist with passing slower traffic
Feature
Blind-Spot Collision Warning & Avoidance Assist[9]
What it does
Detects vehicles in blind spots and can apply corrective steering if a collision risk is detected
Real-world use case
Can help avoid dangerous lane changes in heavy highway traffic
Feature
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist[10]
What it does
Detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists ahead and can apply emergency braking
Real-world use case
Can provide an extra layer of protection in stop-and-go traffic
Feature
Junction Turning, Lane Change Oncoming & Side Detection[10]
What it does
Extends forward collision avoidance to intersections and lane-change scenarios
Real-world use case
Can provide alerts and assist at highway on-ramps, exits, and complex interchanges
Feature
Evasive Steering Assist[10]
What it does
Assists with steering to help avoid a detected collision
Real-world use case
Supports emergency maneuvers when braking alone may not be sufficient
Feature
Lane Keeping Assist[11]
What it does
Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane using camera and sensor data
Real-world use case
Can help reduce constant steering corrections on long, straight highways
Feature
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist[12]
What it does
Reads speed limit signs and can adjust cruise control speed accordingly
Real-world use case
Can help adjust speed based on speed limit signs
Feature
Driver Attention Warning[13]
What it does
Monitors driving patterns for signs of drowsiness or inattention
Real-world use case
Can provide alerts when it's time for a break during long stretches
Feature
Forward Attention Warning[14]
What it does
Uses an in-cabin camera to monitor driver attention and detect when the driver's eyes may not be focused on the road
Real-world use case
Provides an additional layer of alertness monitoring beyond driving-pattern analysis
How the IONIQ 5 Offers Comfort for the Whole Crew
Does the IONIQ 5 have enough room for rear-seat passengers?
Yes, and more than you might expect. The IONIQ 5's dedicated EV platform creates a completely flat floor, eliminating the raised center tunnel that takes up legroom from the middle rear-seat passenger in most vehicles. Plus, its wheelbase rivals full-size SUVs, so rear passengers get the kind of space typically found in a larger vehicle class. Front-row legroom measures 41.7 inches, and the rear seat offers 39.4 inches, a nearly equal split that means no one draws the short straw.
Can you power devices and appliances from the IONIQ 5?
On XRT and Limited trims, the IONIQ 5's Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)[15] technology turns the car's battery into a portable power source. A 120-volt outlet in the second row can charge laptops for passengers working from the road, power a portable fridge at a tailgate, or run small appliances at a campsite. It's the kind of feature that makes you wonder how you managed without it.
What comfort features come standard on the IONIQ 5?
Every IONIQ 5 comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Moving up to SEL trim adds a hands-free power liftgate and a wireless phone charging pad. The Limited trim brings ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a driver's seat relaxation function for those moments when you need to recline and recharge while the car does the same.
Does the IONIQ 5 have ambient lighting?
Available on the Limited trim, 64-color ambient interior lighting lets you set the cabin mood: a calming blue for the evening stretch, a warm tone for the morning departure, or even your favorite colors.
What technology features enhance the driving experience?
The IONIQ 5 puts a wide range of technology at both the driver's and passengers' fingertips. Standard across every trim: Bluelink+[3] connected services for remote start, route planning, and vehicle diagnostics; wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™[4] on dual 12.3-inch screens; onboard navigation; Bluetooth connectivity; SiriusXM satellite radio; HD Radio; and a Wi-Fi hotspot[16] to keep everyone connected. Moving up to SEL adds wireless phone charging and a digital key that lets you use your smartphone in place of a traditional key fob. The Limited trim includes a Bose® Premium Audio System[17], a Head-up Display that projects speed and navigation cues onto the windshield, and 64-color ambient interior lighting. Whether you're streaming directions up front or keeping passengers entertained in back, the technology suite is designed to make every mile more enjoyable.
What infotainment system does the IONIQ 5 have?
Every 2026 IONIQ 5 features a dual-screen cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™[4] built-in navigation, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and a six-speaker audio system as standard. Higher trims upgrade to a Bose® Premium Audio System[17] for richer sound quality on long drives. The interface supports Over-The-Air updates through Bluelink+,[3] so the system stays current without a dealer visit. Combined with a Wi-Fi hotspot[16] and available wireless phone charging, the IONIQ 5's infotainment setup keeps the driver informed and passengers entertained throughout the journey.
Built for the Big Trip and the Busy Week
A cross-country road trip between American cities is a once-in-a-generation chance to explore the open road. The IONIQ 5's EPA-estimated[1] 318-mile maximum range, Bluelink+[3] route planning, and driver-assistance systems make it a strong fit for that kind of multi-city adventure.
The same features that get you comfortably from Dallas to Boston handle your daily commute, your weekend errands, and the Saturday that somehow turned into a 200-mile trek across three towns. The 800-volt architecture charges fast whether you're topping off at lunch or prepping for a 500-mile haul. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)[15] powers your tailgate gear and your kid's tablet. Highway Driving Assist 2[7] can help you on the morning commute just as well as on the interstate to Kansas City.
The 2026 IONIQ 5 starts at $35,000 MSRP[18] and tops off at $48,975 MSRP for the fully equipped Limited AWD. Every trim is backed by Hyundai's 10-Year/100,000-Mile Electric Battery Warranty.
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[1] EPA-estimated 318-mile driving range for 2026 IONIQ 5 SE/SEL/Limited RWD; 290-mile driving range for 2026 IONIQ 5 SE/SEL AWD; 269-mile driving range for 2026 IONIQ 5 Limited AWD; 259-mile driving range for 2026 IONIQ 5 XRT AWD; and 245-mile driving range for 2026 IONIQ 5 SE RWD (Standard Range). All figures are EPA estimates and based on a fully charged battery. For comparison purposes only. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. Actual range will vary based on a number of factors, including vehicle options, driving conditions and habits, vehicle and battery's condition, battery temperature and outside temperature.
[2] 178.1 miles of range in only 15 minutes (84.0-kWh battery) on a 350-kW ultra-fast Combined Charging System (CCS) charger with adapter. Actual charging time varies based on a number of factors, including current battery charge level, output of the charging unit, vehicle and battery settings, battery temperature and outside temperature. Ultra-fast charging stations are provided by independent companies and availability is not guaranteed.
[3] Bluelink+ is available to original purchasers and lessees of new 2023 IONIQ 5 and new 2024 or newer Bluelink-equipped Hyundai models. Not available on all models and trims. Bluelink+ requires an active Bluelink account subject to the Connected Services Terms and Conditions. Bluelink features vary by model and trim. Only use Bluelink features and corresponding devices when safe to do so. Cellular and GPS coverage is required. Fees apply for map and multimedia over-the-air (OTA) updates after an initial three-year period of complimentary updates. Three-year term starts from the new vehicle date of first use. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Bluelink services rely on digital wireless telecommunications technology outside of Hyundai's control. Bluelink is dependent on 4G LTE cellular networks controlled and maintained by third-party wireless carriers. If and when these networks change and/or discontinue service, or the underlying technology required to support Bluelink becomes obsolete, then the connected services will not work and Hyundai will be forced to cancel impacted subscription services.
[4] Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Android Auto is compatible with Android phones running Android 6.0 or higher. Android Auto may not be available on all devices and is not available in all countries or regions. Additional apps may be required. Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google LLC.
[5] Approximately 20 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% on a 350-kW, 800V DC ultra-fast charger using the CCS adapter included with the 2026 IONIQ 5. Actual charging time varies based on a number of factors, including current battery charge level, output of the charging unit, vehicle and battery settings, battery temperature and outside temperature. Ultra-fast charging stations are provided by independent companies and availability is not guaranteed.
[6] Standard on all trims. Smart Cruise Control (SCC) is not a collision avoidance or warning device. SCC is for highway use only and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or slippery roads. Driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[7] Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), when used in conjunction with Lane Following Assist, Lane Change Assist, Cut-in Assist, and Smart Cruise Control, is for highway use only and can help keep the vehicle centered in its lane while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or slippery roads. HDA 2 will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. Please note that advanced driver assistance systems are supplemental, do not work in all conditions, and cannot prevent all collisions. The driver remains responsible for safe driving and must always pay attention. Driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations. Available on SEL, XRT, and Limited trims.
[8] Highway Driving Assist (HDA) is for highway use only and can help keep the vehicle centered in its lane while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or slippery roads. HDA will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. Driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[9] Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) can assist the driver by warning of other cars in the blind spot region. While your turn signal is on, it can alert you visually, by sound and/or by haptic feedback as well as apply corrective steering to help prevent an unsafe lane change if a collision is detected. It senses the rear side territory of the vehicle when it is traveling over approximately 25 mph. There are limitations to the function, range, detection and clarity of the system. It will not detect all vehicles or objects in the blind spot. Its operation depends on the size, distance, angle and relative speed difference between your car and other cars. BCA may not operate if sensors are obscured in any way. Do not rely exclusively on BCA. BCA is a supplemental system, and the driver must still be attentive and exercise caution when driving. It is important to always signal, look over your shoulder and through your mirrors before changing lanes. It is the driver’s responsibility to be aware of the surroundings and ensure it is clear before changing lanes or directions. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[10] Standard on SEL, XRT and Limited trims. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist Detection, Junction Turning, Junction Crossing, Lane Change Oncoming, Lane Change Side and Evasive Steering Assist (FCA-Ped) is intended to be a supplement to safe driving practices. The system is not designed to detect certain stationary objects such as trees or poles, and may not detect all vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists under certain conditions. The system’s Junction Turning function operates when the vehicle’s left turn signal is activated, the vehicle is traveling between approximately 6-19 mph and the oncoming vehicle’s speed is between approximately 19-44 mph. The system is a driver assistance system and is not a substitute for safe driving. The driver is responsible for being attentive and maintaining control of the vehicle, and should not wait for the system's alerts before braking as there may not be sufficient time to brake safely. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[11] Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) will not work under all circumstances. It operates above 40 mph and only when it is able to detect painted lane markings. It cannot function if the lane markings cannot be seen clearly. If the lines cannot be seen clearly due to poor road conditions, weather, or lighting conditions, it may not function. It also may not function on very rough roads, when walls, curbs or concrete barriers are close by, or if following another car too closely. Since it "sees" the lane markings using a camera in the upper windshield area, it is imperative this area be clear and free of blockage such as stickers, dirt, snow, tinting material, markings and labels. Lane Keeping Assist is not a substitute for safe driving practices, but is a supplemental assist only. The driver is responsible for always maintaining command and control of the vehicle and must keep hands on the wheel at all times. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[12] Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) uses information from detected speed limit signage and/or the vehicle’s navigation system (if equipped) to help the driver be aware of and maintain the speed limit. ISLA will not work under all circumstances and in all conditions. ISLA is a supplemental function only and not a substitute for safe driving practices. The driver remains responsible for observing posted speed limits. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[13] Driver Attention Warning (DAW) is only a warning to inform the driver of a potential lack of driver attention or drowsiness. It does not detect and provide an alert in every situation. It is the driver's responsibility to remain alert at all times. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[14] Standard on all trims. Forward Attention Warning monitors the driver’s eye position using the vehicle’s in-cabin camera and may provide an audible warning if it detects driver inattention or drowsiness. It does not detect and provide an alert in every situation. It is the driver's responsibility to remain alert at all times. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[15] Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) two-way charging will deplete the battery and become inoperable once battery discharge limit reaches 20%. Not all electrical appliances will operate properly when using this feature. Do not use products that require a continuous power supply, and only use appliances under 16 amps. Additional limitations apply. See Owner's Manual for more details.
[16] Wi-Fi hotspot requires active data plan from Verizon and acceptance of Hyundai Motor America Connected Services Terms and Conditions. Coverage and service are not available in all areas. Wi-Fi hotspot is intended for passenger use only. Only use Wi-Fi and connected devices when safe to do so. See https://www.verizon.com/plans/connected-car/ for terms and conditions.
[17] Bose® is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation.
[18] MSRP excludes freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. Freight charges and actual dealer prices may vary.
